Check also: How to Pick a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

These sleek, snug, head-turning design pieces are also relatively easy to maintain. With proper care, your Togo sofa will look – and feel – as comfortable and luxurious as it did the day you first brought it home. Moreover, if you keep your Togo sofa in good condition, it maintains its value, and you can re-sale it at a price close to the one you’ve paid.

Today, our sofa cleaning pros will share with you the best ways to care for your Togo furniture.

Read also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Togo sofas maintain their value and you can see 30 year old Togos looking as new on eBay and similar websites.

What is a Togo sofa? 

Togo is a furniture collection created by designer Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for the French company Ligne Roset. Togo sofas are timeless pieces featuring an elegant design that instantly captures the eye. Besides its beauty, the furniture is also comfortable and durable. So it’s no surprise that over the years, Togo has obtained an iconic status all over the world. The series is very recognisable and loved by people of all ages, and the company still makes it to this day.

Check also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

Togo upholstery fabrics and materials

Togo sofas come in a few different upholstery fabrics and materials – Alcantara, Cordoue, Harald, and Leather. 

• Alcantara is the most popular upholstery for Togo furniture, with more than 70 colour options. This fabric is durable, easy-to-clean (using the correct products) microfibre with a suede-like texture.
• Cordoue is a soft cotton corduroy velvet upholstery with a lush vintage look inspired by the seventies design.
• Harald is a tight-woven, very short-pile velour fabric made from 100% cotton that gives a luxurious finish to Togo furniture pieces.
• Leather – Togos can come in a wide variety of sumptuous natural leathers – from full-grain bull hides and nubuck to Elmosoft semi-aniline leather. 

Read also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

A set of lovely multicoloured Togo sofas we have cleaned for our client.

How do I clean my Togo sofa?

Maintaining your Ligne Roset Togo sofa is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules. Cleaning should be done regularly to keep its luxurious look and feel over time. The main “issue” with Togo sofas is that they are just too comfortable! This quality tempts many people to do everything snuggled on their beloved furniture: reading, watching TV, sleeping, playing games and even dining. However, unlike other types of sofas, food crumbs and dirt get trapped in the folds and crevices, so no matter what you do, try to avoid eating on your Togo. Now, let’s jump to the cleaning steps necessary to maintain your Togo sofa in perfect condition.

Read also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

Cleaning around and under 

Unlike most other furnishings, Togo sofas lay directly on the ground, meaning the furniture is in contact with all the dirt and dust on the floor. So, cleaning and mopping the floor under and around the sofa is a must to keep the upholstery clean. Luckily, Togo sofas are relatively light and easy to move around, making cleaning the floor around and under possible even if you are alone.

Check also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Weekly vacuuming 

Whatever the upholstery material, regular vacuuming is the most crucial step to keep the gorgeous look of your Togo furniture. All the crevices and folds, typical for its signature design, trap a lot of dirt, hair and dust very quickly. That is why vacuuming your sofa should become part of your weekly cleaning routine. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to remove dust and debris from each fold and seam of the upholstery. Finish the vacuuming by running the light brush attachment all over your Togo sofa.

We’re especially proud of the job we did on this cute yellow Togo. You can see the before/after pic a little further down the article.

Freshen up the upholstery

If you want to keep the upholstery looking nice and fresh, you only need a clean towel and water! Wipe your Togo sofa with a slightly damp towel after vacuuming. You don’t need any cleaning product, only pure water. This is a swift cleanup, but it delivers impressive results and instantly freshens the Togo sofa. 

You might also like: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

Spot cleaning

If you must remove stains from your Togo sofa, we advise you to act carefully. The most popular upholstery, Alcantara, is a gorgeous microfibre suede. This material can be very forgiving when it comes to different stains. However, if you spill something on your sofa, it is crucial to act quickly. Treat the spot with a damp clean towel, and try not to over-soak and over-scrub your sofa. 

You can also use specialised fabric stain removal products when needed. After wiping down the upholstery, rinse any soapy residue with a clean, dry towel. Allow the sofa to dry completely before sitting on it.

When it comes to spot cleaning, it is very important to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, rubbing alcohol or bleach, as they will cause damage to the sofa fabric. Remember that over-soaking your Togo sofa can cause permanent staining to the upholstery.

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Upholstery Fabrics

Maintaining a leather Togo sofa 

You can safely use a specialised leather cleaner and conditioner if your Togo has leather upholstery. Use a high-quality, pH-balanced leather cleaner to treat the leather, then finish with a leather conditioner. When cleaning leather, it’s crucial to not saturate it and to buff lightly after applying the products. 

Avoid using saddle soap and other solvents and harsh scrubbing, as this can damage the leather upholstery of your Togo sofa. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather will help keep its luxurious look.

Read also: Things you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it

Before and after Togo sofa cleaning done by Cleaner Cleaner team.

Deep cleaning of Togo furniture

As with any other type of furniture, you must set up an annual deep cleaning of your Togo sofa. Although you can try and clean it yourself, the pointy tips of your Togo furniture require some specific cleaning tools due to its unique design. Also, DIY cleaning often leads to oversoaking, and as we mentioned, this can cause permanent staining on the upholstery. That is why even the manufacturer, Ligne Roset, recommends turning to professional upholstery cleaners for the deep cleaning of your Togo furniture.

However, regular furniture cleaning tools most cleaners use can get your sofa too wet and soggy and ruin it. So, before hiring any cleaning company, make sure they are familiar with the peculiarities of Alcantara and other Togo upholsteries and have the right tools for the job.

You might also like: Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Your Luxury Swiss Watch

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Here’s an example from our archive: the difference before and after cleaning of an old sofa.

Call Your Sofa Cleaner

When the sofa starts looking worn out, the first and most crucial step is to arrange a deep upholstery cleaning. Professional treatment is the best way to restore the beautiful look of your soft furniture. It is an inexpensive and fast solution for refreshing the dull look of the sofa, even when there are old, unsightly stains. Experts use powerful equipment and advanced products to deal with various types of dirt; for example, we at Cleaner Cleaner use over 20 different solutions that help us get rid of all kinds of stains, including grease, blood, urine, coffee, red wine, soy sauce and many more. 

You might also like: Stain Removal Is a Matter of Chemistry

Deep cleaning at least once a year helps not only refresh its look but also prolongs the life of your sofa. Professional treatments such as hot water extraction will remove the dirt and dust embedded deeply into the fabrics and prevent them from wear and tear. And don’t forget to request stain protection together with the deep sofa cleaning service to protect your freshly cleaned furniture. In the end of the day, sofa cleaning costs less than buying new furniture.

Check also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

This little gadget will help you deal with piling on the upholstery.

Remove Piling

Over time you may notice there’s some piling on the surface of your sofa – much similar to the piling that forms on clothes. This issue is most common with looser, shorter fibres and some fabrics tend to pill more than others. Upholstery made from only one type of thread – natural or synthetic- tends to develop pills more readily than sofas covered in blended materials, with the exception of velvet, silk, and linen. You can learn more about different types of upholstery fabrics in our post: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

These pesky fabric pills result from everyday wear and tear as broken fibres on the upholstery surface become tangled. Over time, these threads clump together, forming distinctive lint balls stuck to your furniture. And although these little balls are pretty unsightly and can make your sofa look worn out, they are quite easy to deal with. All you need is a battery-operated fabric shaver – the same kind you can use for sweaters and other clothing. Run the gadget over the problematic areas, and it will remove the excess pills, instantly improving the look of your sofa.

Read also: What you should know about cleaning upholstered furniture

Reupholstering is a good solution when you are dealing with ripped fabric on vintage furniture.

Reupholster Vintage Pieces

To be fair, covering your sofa with new upholstery is not the simplest solution, especially when it comes to designer sofas like Togo or the iconic Camaleonda. We only recommend it if the colours have faded and there are tears on the fabric. Reupholstering is a complex process and doesn’t happen in a day. It’s also pretty inconvenient – you have to part with your sofa for a few weeks because professionals can’t work on it in your home. Usually, you need to arrange transport of the furniture to their atelier, where they have the tools and materials they need to restore it. Still, reupholstering is suitable for revamping faded or torn luxurious or vintage soft furnishings. If the sofa’s frame is intact, and you still love the piece, reupholstering is a way to salvage it and still can be cheaper than buying a new one.

Check also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

Slipcovers are inexpensive and come in many different designs.

Try Slipcovers

If your furniture has removable cushions, you can find a professional to sew you entirely new upholstery covers that fit perfectly to each section of the sofa. However, this doesn’t work with furnishings that have fixed cushions. Slipcovers are the more fuss-free and budget-friendly cousin of reupholstering your soft furniture. Nowadays, you can buy whole-piece covers that dress your sofa in full. They are elastic and fit quite snugly to your couch’s curves. Another advantage is that you can choose from many designs, which helps you to alter your furniture’s look. However, although the ready-made elastic covers are beautiful, they are just cosmetic solution. They won’t make dirt and lingering odours go away. So, it’s still wise to book professional upholstery cleaning and ensure your sofa is hygienic under its fresh new slipcover.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round 

Here are the most popular natural and synthetic upholstery materials. We hope this will be helpful to make an informed choice when getting your new sofa so it lasts you for years.

Read also: Learn to Read the Upholstery Abbreviations Before Buying a New Sofa

A lot of people opt for wool or cotton blends for the sofa in the family room because these mixed fabrics are very durable and easy to maintain.

Natural Upholstery Characteristics & Maintenance

Natural upholstery refers to those fabrics woven from plant fibres and materials derived from animal products. Here are a few of the most common natural fabrics used to upholster sofas and armchairs.

Wool

Wool is a protein fibre used for centuries for clothes, carpets and upholstery. This natural thread is derived from the fleece of sheep, goats, camels, alpaca and other animals. Wool upholstery is durable and sturdy. It provides good thermal insulation and strong resistance to pilling, wrinkling and fading. Also, because the fibres have irregular scales, they are good at hiding the soiling. 

When used as an upholstery material for sofas or armchairs, wool is often blended with synthetic fibres. Such blends are easier to clean, and the synthetic component in these types of fabric helps to reduce the felting of the fibres. The mixed fabrics also dry faster than sofa upholstery containing just wool.

Read also: How to Clean Wool Carpets?

Cleaning and Maintenance of Wool Sofa

• Wool readily absorbs water, making it a poor choice for humid rooms as it is susceptible to mould and mildew. 
• As with other natural upholsteries, wool can be attacked by moths. 
• White wool fibres can turn yellow in direct sunlight over time, so placing a white wool sofa in a sunny room isn’t the best way to keep its appearance. 
• Bleach destroys all wool fabrics, so avoid using it on your upholstery.  
• Enzyme cleaners can deteriorate the wool upholstery, so make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Cotton

Cotton is a plant-based cellulose type fibre used as clothing and furniture material. Cotton upholstery is resistant to wear, fading, and pilling. However, the material doesn’t provide very good resistance to soil, wrinkling, or flames. The durability and use of cotton upholstery depend on the fabric’s weave and finish. Damask weave is better for furniture used in formal rooms. The canvas weave (sailcloth and duck) goes for more casual areas and is more durable.

Blending cotton with other fibres often compensate for its flaws. Cotton blends are life-friendly fabrics and can stand up to stains, small kids, and pets depending on the weave. After a deep upholstery cleaning, applying a stain-resistant finish, such as Scotchgard, makes these materials more resilient to heavy use.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Cotton Upholstery

• When cleaning this cellulose fibre upholstery, cellulosic browning (brownish discolouration) is a common problem, so it’s best to turn to professional upholstery cleaners.
• The fabric is very susceptible to shrinkage.
• The upholstery made of cotton is very absorbent and dries slowly, and is prone to mildew, so don’t place it in humid rooms.
• As with other natural fabrics, cotton can be attacked by moths. 
• Cotton furniture stains and soils easily, so it’s better to be used in households with no pets or small children.
• Treating dirt topically will leave a water stain, so it’s better to clean the whole upholstery instead.
• Acids can damage cotton upholstery as they rot the fibres, so be careful when using detergents containing vinegar or citric acid.
• Apply a stain-resistant finish, such as Scotchgard, after every deep sofa cleaning.

Velvet, like other natural fabrics in their pure form, is more suitable for soft furniture in adult areas.

Silk / Silk Velvet

Silk is the only natural fibre produced in a continuous filament, and it’s sourced from the caterpillar of the silk moth. The fabric is beautiful, luxurious, and delicate. It is suitable only for furniture in the adult areas of the house, such as a formal living room, offices or reading rooms. 

Cleaning and Maintenance of Silk Sofa

• Silk furniture must be treated by professional sofa cleaners when soiled. A lot of the common detergents contain substances that damage the fibres.
• Silk is a protein fibre, so you should never use enzymatic cleaners on this type of upholstery as they will weaken and ruin the material.
• Acids, bleach, and alkalis easily damage the fabric.
• Silk upholstery is extremely absorbent, so it dries up quite slowly.
• Sunlight and perspiration will rot the fibres of silk upholstery.

Read also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Linen 

Linen is a long, strong fibre derived from flax stems, and it is a cellulose type fabric. Linen upholstered sofas are best suited for adult areas as the fabric wrinkles easily and don’t withstand heavy wear. On the plus side, linen has good resistance to pilling and fading.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Linen Upholstery

• Linen doesn’t soil very easily, and the stains stay on the surface, so it isn’t difficult to remove them.
• Treating dirt topically will leave a water stain, so it’s better to clean the whole upholstery instead.
• However, overtime linen will soil. It’s best to call a professional to clean the upholstery when to avoid shrinkage of the fabric.
• Although the material readily absorbs water, it dries up fairly quickly. 
• Linen upholsteries are easily damaged by bleach for the same reason the cotton ones do.
• Unlike other natural fabrics, linen won’t be attacked by moths.
• Furniture upholstered with linen is prone to mildew, so avoid placing it in humid rooms.
• Sunlight won’t help fade the colours, but eventually, it will weaken the fibres.
• Linen upholstery is easily damaged by acids, but not as much – by alkalis.

Check also: How to Choose a Rug for Your Living Room

Synthetic Upholstery Characteristics & Maintenance

Synthetic upholstery is a fabric or material containing artificial fibres, which are designed using chemical processes. They are usually more durable and less expensive than natural fabrics used for upholstered furniture. Some of the synthetic fibres can’t be found in a pure form when used as upholstery material because they are too fragile on their own.

Read also: How to Clean Your Synthetic Rug

Acetate

Developed from wood cellulose pulp acetate is a semi-synthetic fibre that can resist mildew, shrinking and pilling. However, it soils relatively easily and fades in the sun, so it’s usually blended with other fibres.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Acetate Fabrics

• Acetate upholstery can be wet or dry cleaned.
• Cleaning with detergents containing oxygen bleach can damage the fibres.
• Acetate fabrics can melt when heated.
• Acetate upholstery isn’t very absorbent and dries fast.

Acrylic

This is a synthetic fibre used as a wool imitation. Low-quality acrylic upholstery may pill excessively in the spots receiving a lot of abrasion, but high-quality acrylics pill significantly less. Acrylic fabrics withstand wear and tear very well; they are also resistant to soiling and fading, making them quite a popular upholstery option.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Acrylic Fabrics

• Acrylic fibres have high resistance to alkalis, acids, bleaches, and solvents, which makes the fabrics easy to clean.
• Acrylic upholstery is not attacked by microorganisms.
• This fabric is resistant to fading.
• Acrylic is very flammable. 
• Modacrylic is modified acrylic consisting of a considerable amount of chlorine within the structure, making it much less flammable.

Synthetic upholstery is quite a popular sofa fabric choice among big families and people with pets in general.

Microfiber

This trendy fabric is made from polyester, and it’s often used as an imitation of velvet. It has a smooth texture, but it is more durable than the natural velvet made from silk. Microfibre is resistant to water, stains, and fading, so it’s ideal for high-use living rooms.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Microfibre

• Microfibre upholstery is strong and resistant to wear.
• The fibres have good resistance to soiling.
• Microfibre doesn’t absorb water readily, so liquid stains are easy to remove.
• Oil and grease stains are absorbed quickly, making them more difficult to clean.
• Microfibre furniture is resistant to fading by prolonged sunlight exposure.

Nylon (Polyamide)

One of the strongest fibres in use today, nylon is very resistant to abrasion. On the plus side, nylon doesn’t soil or wrinkle readily. However, the fibre tends to fade and pill quite easily. Nylon is rarely used alone, it’s mostly blended with other materials to make very durable upholstery fabrics.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Nylon/Polyamide Fabrics

• Nylon doesn’t retain much moisture, which makes it very suitable for wet or steam cleaning.
• The fibre can be cleaned with bleach, but only after first testing the solution on an inconspicuous area of the sofa.
• Nylon won’t be attacked by microorganisms.
• The fibres can be weakened by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Easily flammable material.

Olefin (Polypropylene)

Olefin has become a popular fibre used in upholstery as it withstands heavy wear with ease. It’s highly resistant to abrasion, mildew, stains, and sunlight so that it can be used as an indoor or outdoor furniture fabric.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Olefin/Polypropylene

• Olefin is stain-resistant and easy to clean and maintain.
• Upholstery containing olefin dries relatively fast.
• The material doesn’t shrink.
• The fibre has low resilience when pressed, so it might wrinkle.
• Oil attaches very easily to olefin and it is almost impossible to remove. 
• The fibre has a low melting point 

Polyester

Although it is strong and resistant to abrasion, polyester is rarely used alone in furniture. The material is blended with other fibres to add wrinkle resistance and reduce fading. When combined with wool, the material leads to pilling.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Polyester Fabrics

• Polyester isn’t a very absorbent fibre. It dries up fast and can be wet or steam cleaned.
• The fibres are fairly resistant to soiling.
• Water-based stains are easy to remove. However, oils are easily absorbed in the fibres, making grease stains more difficult to clean.
• Polyester is resistant to alkalis and bleaches. Still, such detergents should be used cautiously.
• The fibres are resilient to sunlight exposure.
• As with most synthetic fibres, polyester won’t be attacked by microorganisms, and it is also easily flammable.

Viscose Rayon

Viscose Rayon or Rayon is a cellulose fibre often used instead of silk in clothing and upholstery fabrics. Although it wrinkles, it is a very durable material, however, it isn’t a practical choice for the sofa in the family room.

You might also like: Pros and Cons of Getting a Viscose Rug

Cleaning and Maintenance of Rayon

• The strength of rayon fibres decreases when wet, and they can also shrink. That is why you should turn to a professional for the deep cleaning of the furniture.
• Weak acids easily damage rayon.
• Not harmed by weak solutions of alkalis, but strong alkalis cause swelling, and the fabric can lose its strength. 
• Rayon is a very absorbent fabric that needs more time to dry.
• Prolonged sunlight will weaken rayon upholstery.
• The fabric is susceptible to mildew, so not a good option for humid rooms.
• Rayon doesn’t stand heat very well, and it is very flammable.

Check also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Q1: Where and How Are You Going to Use Your Sofa?

Here, the homeowners made a great decision when they’ve picked this light shade for their sofa, as prolonged exposure to sunlight would eventually lead to fading of any dark colour.

As you shop for a new sofa or armchair, you should let your practical needs lead your choice, so consider how you live and how you will use the furniture. You may fall in love with the look of that velvet couch, but it will quickly deteriorate in a house with kids or pets. Upholstered furnishings in high-traffic areas, such as the living room, need durable materials which stand well stains and wear. Examples of such materials are wool, wool blends, or entirely synthetic fabrics.

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

On the other hand, a piece that doesn’t get as much wear, such as a bedroom ottoman, can sport any material, including luxurious silk or linen upholstery. In terms of location, it’s also worth mentioning that some colours will fade if exposed to direct sunlight. So, a sofa with lighter colour upholstery is better for the sunny areas of your home.

Check also: How to Choose Carpets for Your New Home

Q2: How Much Time Can You Spare to Clean Your Furniture?

If you don’t want to hire upholstery cleaners every time your pup curls up on your sofa, then opt for synthetic or blend upholstery fabrics.

Another big mistake is not considering how the upholstery will age over time and its cleaning requirements. Check the furniture label and ask questions at the store to find out what is the fabric’s content. Ask yourself, how much time and effort are you willing to spend in maintaining the piece? How many times a year would you need to hire professional sofa cleaners to keep the furniture in top shape? Knowing the type of upholstery means you can choose a sofa which durability and level of care comply with your specific needs.

Read also: What You Should Know About Cleaning Upholstered Furniture

Q3: Is Thread Count Important When Choosing a Sofa?

A higher thread count means more durable material, which is a desirable quality in upholstery fabrics.

Yes, considering the thread count is essential when buying upholstered furniture! This measure indicates the number of threads per square inch, so basically, it shows how tightly the fabric is woven. When getting a new sofa or material to reupholster any piece of furniture, remember that the higher the thread count, the less the upholstery will wear. This rule applies to both synthetic and natural fabrics.

Check also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way.

What Do the Upholstery Abbreviations on Your Sofa Label Mean?

The abbreviation for polyester. Image source: Acronyms and Slang

After you’ve answered the previous questions, you can get on with decoding the abbreviations used for different fabrics. There are two types of materials used as upholstery – natural and synthetic. Also, there are the so-called blends – fabrics that combine two or more different materials. In general, synthetic fabrics are more common nowadays and have wonderful qualities in terms of maintenance and durability. Natural textiles and materials are beautiful and luxurious but usually quite expensive and have more specific cleaning requirements. Blends are a great upholstery option, as they combine the benefits of two or more materials and compensate for their flaws. Check the table below to decipher the codes on your furniture label.

Read also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

When you are dealing with a stain, it is important to take the fabric you are treating, the type of stain, and the method you are using into great consideration. You should also be sceptical of advice from friends as the material they are dealing with will most likely be a completely different textile from the one you need to treat. Another big no for stain removal is bleach. That is why our team of experienced technicians at Cleaner Cleaner has decided to put together the ultimate guide to sofa stain removal and put an end to the countless myths on dealing with spills.

Read also: How To Clean Upholstery Stains

Efficient stain removal, no matter whether you are treating your upholstered furniture, carpets, or clothes, is a nightmare everyone has to face at some point in their life. The nightmare, however, always has the potential to get worse and in some cases, the process of tackling the issue can cause irreversible damage. Countless stain-removal guides floating around the internet can also throw a spanner in the works.

All-purpose stain-removal products are not always the best solution either. If you read the back of the bottle yourself, you will see that they come with a warning label saying you should test out the product on a small, less-visible area to avoid potential damage. It is also worth noting that stains usually occur in the more central areas that are likely to be noticeable. That is why it is also worth testing out the product on a small area of the stain as well to see how effective it will be in removing the spill.

Something you Must Consider before Taking Any Stain-Removal Action – Types of Stains

One of the key things in stain removal that people overlook is the type of stain they are treating. Many people find a method that worked on one stain and think that they can apply the same technique to just any old stain. Well, unfortunately, this is not the case, because stain removal is a matter of chemistry. That is why it is important to have some basic knowledge of the range of stains you can happen upon.

Permanent Stains – this type of stain occurs when the substance damages the fibres of the upholstery. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about these. At best, you can improve the area if the stain is small enough. Substances that cause such damage or irreversible colourings include food colourings, cosmetic products, old urine stains, strong dyes, strong acids, alkalis, paint, varnish, hot tannin-based stains, set stains, and water damage.

Tannin Stains – this type of stain typically leaves a yellow-brown discolouration. Tannin is a complex natural organic compound that can be found in wood, tea and coffee, beer and cider, red wine and balsamic vinegar, cola drinks, fruit juices, and chocolate (especially dark chocolate).

Solvent Soluble Stains – solvent-soluble stains can be caused by greasy/oily foods, tar, bitumen, motor oil, chewing gum, wax, cosmetics, creams, ointments, fresh gloss paint, solvent-soluble adhesives, solvent-soluble inks, varnishes, and wood stain. Basically, we are talking about oil-based stains and others that are solvent-soluble. This type can only be treated with a mineral spirit solvent or a citrus solvent for solvent-sensitive materials.

Protein Stains – this stain type originates from living organisms. This category covers a wide range of stain types, including all food/drink types, blood, bodily fluids, medicines that contain sugars, moulds, and mildew. Due to the vast variety of stains this category covers, some substances will more than likely require attention that falls under a different stain type. This is because some foods or medicines may contain other substances that will need a higher level of care.

Dye Stains – colourants from food dye, artificially-coloured drinks, dark berry or red grape drinks, furniture stain, and some water-based inks or markers will cause this type of stain on your fabric. Dye stains are treatable, but dye bleeds are a whole other ball game that usually falls under permanent stains.

Difficult Stains – although there aren’t really “straightforward” stains, there are ones that are definitely more tricky than others. This type of stain includes soil, mud, urine, nicotine, and grass stains, as well as cellulosic browning, draught marks, and other charged particle stains like soot, for instance. The thing that makes this category more difficult than others is that the treatment usually contains several steps and reapplications where necessary.

Now, not everything comes down to the stain type either. It is important to keep that in mind. The type of fabric that the stain is on is also a vital factor not to be ignored. Some fibres are more sensitive than others and this will dictate the methods and solutions applicable to each instance.

Check out also: Things you can do to keep your carpets clean. 

How to Tackle Different Stain Types

As each of the stain types mentioned above contains its own subcategories, we will make it easy for you. We will walk you through the process of dealing with more common spillages, such as drinks, food, or pet stains. Then, we will point out the similar types that can be dealt with in more or less the same manner. And don’t forget to think about the fabric when cleaning upholstery. Without further ado, let us walk you through the ultimate guide to sofa stain removal.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Drink Stains:

1. Coffee and Tea Stains

As one of the most common stains (because who doesn’t love a good old cuppa’), let us take a look at how to tackle coffee/tea spillages. Both beverages fall into the tannin category, although they are generally taken with milk.

Furthermore, because the drink is hot, this allows for the spill to penetrate the fabric more than cold drinks. This is why it is better to catch this stain type on time before they dry out. They can be very tricky to deal with, depending on milk or sugar content and how long the spill has been there. Coffee and tea are highly likely to cause permanent damage and even professional cleaning guides advise against promising complete success to clients. However, if you insist on trying to do it DIY, here is our advice on how to deal with tea/coffee stains:

• Rinse out the area thoroughly with water, lifting as much of the liquid as possible. Using towels to rinse and dry may be a good idea. Also be careful to consider the fabric you are dealing with, as many are not so moisture resistant.
• Professionals use a combination of stain removers and fibre & fabric rinsers, applying and lifting using either the rinser or just plain water to extract the products. You may need to repeat this a few times before you get the desired result.

We would also like to note that if the coffee stain is from decaf coffee, the stain will fall under the colourings category, so don’t try this method on it. Similar stains to this would be beer. If you were having a few beers with the lads and had an unlucky incident, you could try out the same method to lift the sticky spill.

2. Dealing with Fruit Juice Stains

When dealing with fruit juice stains, one of the things to consider is the type of fruit juice you have on your hands. Citrus fruits are tannin-free, while dark fruits, such as blackberry, blueberry, red grape, cranberry, etc., that contain tannin. If you are dealing with a darker spillage, using tannin-remover may be a good idea. Another thing to consider is whether or not the fruit juice contained artificial colouring or not. If it does, you will want to use a dye-remover for the job. Here is our advice on tackling fruit juice stains:

• Use a stain-removal solution to cover the affected area.
• Lift using cool water.
• Repeat the process if you are still seeing residue.

Similar stains include beer, cider, dark alcohols, cola-based drinks, artificially coloured sodas, and red wine.

3. Dealing with Milk Stains

Milk is a protein stain, so using a protein stain remover would be the best option here. The bad thing with milk stains is that they can be fatty, they attract bacteria, and if unnoticed, they can cause awful smells. That is why it is important to catch it on time. If this was not possible, we highly recommend you seek professional help for this one. However, if it is fresh, here are our tips on dealing with the mess:

• Get your protein stain remover and cover the stain and around it with the product.
• Lift it using cold water (hot water can really mess up the situation, milk being a protein stain).
• Now blot the area using paper towels to lift as much of the moisture as possible.
• Rinse the area again, blotting well with paper towels or absorbent cloths, leaving the area as dry as you can.

Read also: How to Remove Milk From Your Carpet

Your similar stains for this method include all milk-based products, chocolate milk, yogurts, dairy ice cream, and vomit.

4. Dealing with Wine Stains

The method of removing wine staining depends on the wine – red or white. White wine can be treated just like any other alcohol:

• Apply a spot cleaner onto the stain.
• Extract using cold water.

Red wine, however, needs to be treated using a coffee stain remover product Another point worth mentioning is that if you spilt red wine on natural fibre fabric, you won’t be removing the stain at all. Try contacting a professional for advice on how to proceed.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Food Stains

Now that we have dealt with the stains caused by drinks, let us take a look at the types of food stains you may encounter.

1. Dealing with Butter Stains

Butter stains need solvent-based stain-removal products to be able to deal with the greasiness. Other similar stains include margarine, salad oils, meat juices, and other cooking fats/grease. Here are the instructions on how to tackle butter and similar stains:

• First thing first, scrape up any residue using a flat spatula or knife.
• Blot away until all you are left with is a grease stain.
• Now apply a solvent-based cleaning product, unless your upholstery is solvent-sensitive, in which case, try using upholstery stain removal product.
• Now rinse using clean water.

2. Dealing with Chocolate Stains

Chocolate shouldn’t require the use of solvents to lift the stain. Similar types of spillages include raw egg, gravy, jam, fruit, and more water-soluble food stains, i.e. low-fat content/non-greasy.

• First off, gently scrape off any lumpy bits on the surface using a flat knife or spatula.
• Now get a solvent-based stain-removal product and start blotting using paper towels or white towels.
• Continue reapplying and blotting the area until no more of the stain is lifting.
• Now rinse as thoroughly as you can using water or some type of fabric rinse.

3. Dealing with Honey Stains

The trouble with honey and other types of sticky stains is that they may be hard to scrape off. That is why you should try using hot water to rinse out as much of the residue as possible before starting the cleaning process. Similar stain types include sticky syrups (including cough syrup), jam, large gravy spillages, as well as some hair removal products. Other than that, you can follow the same steps for dealing with fruit stains.

4. Dealing with Ketchup Stains

Ketchup and other sauces that contain tomatoes may be quite difficult to lift from natural fibre materials due to the natural and possibly added colouring. Similar stain types include mustard, tomato paste, curry sauces, pickles, relish, and other condiments such as Brown or Soya Sauce.

• Start by getting rid of any residue. Be careful not to rub it into the fabric.
• Now get a water-based stain-removal product and start blotting at the stain. Keep doing this until it stops lifting the stain.
• Time to rinse out the remaining stain and any product that is left in the fabric.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Bodily Fluids

1. Dealing with Blood Stains

One of the things you need to keep in mind when dealing with blood stains on your upholstery is that this type falls under the protein stain category. This means that hot or warm water is a big no. Always wear gloves and eye protection during the cleaning process to avoid possible contamination. Another thing worth mentioning is if the stain has dried, you are definitely better off calling the professionals to lend you a hand.

• The first step is to rinse out as much of the stain as possible using cool water only.
• Get a water-based stain-removal product (solvent-based should not be needed) and spray over the area, feathering out the product at the edges.
• Now start blotting away using clean absorbent towels. Be careful not to rub the product in. Repeat the application and blotting until no more of the stain lifts.
• And now it is rinsing time. If at this point there is still any residue of the stain left, we advise you to contact professional cleaners to give you some tips as blood stains can be tricky.

2. Dealing with Stains from Feces

Although this is an unpleasant topic, anyone with pets or children will have probably grown immune to it. Furthermore, it is very important to know what to do if you are faced with this kind of stain, as if you do something wrong, you might end up with an unbearable stink in your house that just won’t go away. A similar stain type includes vomit.

• Our pros reckon the best way to deal with this kind of stain is to leave it to dry for a day. If needed, cover it with something so it doesn’t completely stink out the house.
• After it has completely dried, now brush off the stain using a medium-hard brush. This is to avoid wetting the stain and pushing it further into the upholstery. Don’t forget to be mindful of the type of fabric you are dealing with, as you don’t want to damage your furniture.
• Apply stain removal product and blot the upholstery until its clean.
• Rinse with towel, dipped in clean clod water.

3. Dealing with Urine Stains

Another not so pleasant stain type, but life is life and all parents know that this can be quite a common one. Whether you are dealing with pet or child stains, the method is the same. Urine stains can be tricky or impossible to remove if they have dried, especially in more absorbent materials.

• If you are going to try cleaning this kind of stain at home, we advise you to buy a urine neutraliser. Spray it over the area and leave it to neutralise and deodorize the stain.
• Professionals usually use special techniques and machinery to then extract it, but it is not the end of the world to leave it on. If your upholstery is not too moisture-sensitive, you could try rinsing the area. Alternatively, if it is a cover, you can take it off and wash it per instructions on the label.

Read also: How to Remove Urine  Stains From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Cosmetics and Hair & Beauty Products

1. Dealing with Stains from Cosmetics

Luckily, most stains from cosmetics, such as lipstick, foundation, mascara, blusher, and cream or powder eye shadows, can be treated in the same manner.

• Start by gently removing any excess residue with a blunt knife or spatula.
• Now get citrus gel or a solvent-based stain remover and apply to the stain carefully.
• Time to start spotting straight away using dry paper towels.
• Now you should rinse out the area as best you can with clean water and absorbent towels. Keep blotting up the moisture until there is none left.

2. Dealing with Fake Tan Stains

Unfortunately, fake tan is another matter and can not be treated in the same way as normal cosmetics. Due to the dyes in this beauty product, if you get any on your furniture, it will likely be a permanent stain. However, if you still insist on trying to remove it, here are our tips:

• First off, if there is any excess residue, gently remove it using a blunt knife or spatula.
• The best product for tackling this type of stain is solvent-based cleaner or sofa stain remover. Start blotting using white paper towels, you should notice the fake tan transferring to the paper towels. Keep blotting until no more of the product is lifting.
• Now it is time to rinse using cool water and absorbent towels and then try out a neutral spotter product. Blot using the same method until no more of the product comes out and then rinse again.

Keep in mind that the results may not be satisfactory due to the nature of fake tan. We also strongly advise you to contact professionals for dye stains. Other similar stains are suntan lotion, hair dye, or medicinal tinctures, like Iodine.

3. Dealing with Hair Spray Stains

Hair spray can be a bit of a tricky one to deal with. It can also cause discolouration in fabric. Similar stains include any oily cosmetics or oily hair products, such as hair gel. Also, a pre-test area is mandatory, as it is well-known that hair spray can react with cleaning chemicals.

• When treating this stain, it is a good idea for the surface to be horizontal, rather than vertical. A solvent-based cleaning product is what you need, and don’t forget to pre-test a small, less visible area if possible.
• Use paper towels or white pads to blot the area. If the stain is quite large, work your way from the outside inwards.
• Now you will want to get a fabric restorer and spray it onto the surface. Start blotting to avoid any ring marking.

4. Dealing with Stains from Nail Polish

Nail polish, and any kind of varnishes, will cause what we call “hardened stains”. In order to be able to successfully treat the stain, you will have to first soften the varnish. It is also worth mentioning that if the stain is large, it would be quite impractical to completely remove it. This is because the cleaning process requires a lot of time, patience, and care.

• To soften the varnish, you will most likely have to apply a softener several times. Alternatively, get citrus gel and apply a small blob. Leave on until the varnish has softened.
• Whichever product you decide to use, keep reapplying and blotting using paper towels until no more of the nail varnish transfers.
• Now it is time to rinse the area and blot dry using absorbent towels.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Stains from Medicines

When dealing with medicines, you will have to treat them according to the type. Here are the categories and the methods for each one:

1. Dealing with Stains from Ointments and Creams
   Stains from ointments and creams can be treated with a solvent-based product. We advise you use the same methodology for treating the stain as you would with cosmetics (see above).
2. Dealing with Stains from Cough Mixtures and Linctuses
   Seeing as medicines like cough mixtures and linctuses contain high proportions of syrups and sugars, you will need to treat them similarly to honey stains.
   – First off, rinse out the area using hot water. Do this until you have removed as much residue as possible without making the fabric too moist.
   – Now get a water-based stain-removal product and start blotting using paper towels or white towels.
   – Continue reapplying and blotting the area until no more of the stain is lifting.
   – Now rinse as thoroughly as you can using water or some type of fabric rinse.
3. Dealing with Stains from Tinctures – Unfortunately, as is with the case with all types of dye stains, these ones are most likely to be permanent. When we say tinctures, what we mean is alcohol-based antiseptics, such as Iodine and Mercurochrome. If you do try to tackle this type of stain, just use the same method for all dye stains (see above Dealing with Fake Tan Stains).
4. Dealing with Stains from Medications Containing Benzyl Peroxide – Medications containing benzyl peroxide are permanent. Any kinds of cosmetics or medicines with it will leave something like small orange spots on the furniture. Unfortunately, there is no way to treat these. Our advice is to keep the cosmetics and medicines far from your soft furnishings.

As for any other types of medicines, we advise you to apply a small amount of solvent to a small area. Start blotting and see if anything will transfer to a paper towel before continuing.

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Other Common Stains

1. Dealing with Stains from Adhesives

When we say stains from adhesives, we are talking about all types of adhesives, such as residue from masking tape, tackifiers on carpet tiles, rubber cement, household adhesives, etc. All of these, except for some water-based glues, will need a solvent to successfully treat the stain. It is also worth mentioning that if the area of the spillage is large or dried, it is no longer considered a stain, but rather permanent, irreversible damage.

• In the event that the adhesive has hardened, you will want to apply a softener and leave it to work its magic. You may need to reapply a few times, so be patient. To start, you will want to apply a solvent-based solution or citrus gel (it may be an idea to try both) and start blotting using paper towels.
• Now it is time to get a neutral, water-based spotter and continue blotting.
• Try and rinse out as much as you can by blotting with hot water.
• You may have to repeat the previous 3 steps a few times if necessary.

Similar stains include blu tack, plasticine, play-doh, putty, and silicone sealant.

Read also: 10 Simple Things That Effectively Remove Stickers From Any Surface

2. Dealing with Water-Based Glue Stains

Water-based glue stains aren’t such a big problem to deal with. However, do keep in mind that it will not respond to solvent-based products, so get out your neutral, water-based ones.

• Apply your neutral product and start blotting gently.
• Then rinse using cool water and blot dry with a clean towel or absorbent paper towels.

3. Dealing with Oil-Based Paint Stains

All oil-based paints, such as gloss, are solvent-soluble stains. Here are the instructions from the pro’s when dealing with this type of stain:

• Get your solvent-based stain remover or citrus gel and apply it to the area. Leave to sit for a while to soften the paint.
• As it begins to soften, start blotting continuously to avoid the paint spreading.
• Now re-apply your solvent-based stain remover and keep blotting. Repeat this step until as much paint as possible has been removed.
• Place towels over the stain and weigh them down. Leave them for several hours or overnight so as they loosen any remaining residues.
• Now apply a neutral product and start working the paint with a flat spatula.
• After that, blot up all remaining residue with paper towels until there is no more transfer of pain onto them.
• Now it is time to rinse with water.
• Blot up any remaining moisture using absorbent towels.

Check also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

4. Dealing with Water-Based Paint Stains

Water-based paints, such as latex or emulsion paint, are water-soluble. However, if the paint has dried, it will be hard to remove. If this is the case, try and break up and remove as much of the paint as you can and use the method above for oil-based paints. For paint that has still not dried, here is what you can try:

• Get a neutral stain-removal product and blot up as much of the paint as you can.
• After this, dry it as best as you can using absorbent towels.
• If this doesn’t work, try the same method using citrus gel.

Similar stain types include furniture or floor varnishes.

5. Dealing with Draught Marks and Soot Stains

We will start with draught marks. With this stain type, we strongly advise you to hire a professional to help you out. This is because draught marks need a series of special products and machinery for them to be successfully dealt with.

As for soot stains, we have the same problem. It is highly unlikely, if not impossible, that you could deal with them with regular shop-bought products. That is why we will, again, strongly recommend you talk with professionals about these types of stains.

6. Dealing with Grass Stains

There is nothing worse than getting grass stains in the house. These can be a bit tricky to deal with, but not impossible.

• Start by applying citrus gel and working it into the stain with a spatula.
• Now it is time to rinse using hot water.
• Apply a neutral stain remover and leave it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly using water and absorbent towels to blot.

7. Dealing with Mud Stains

It is just awful when a pet or child runs in all muddy and starts climbing over the furniture. With mud, sometimes the stain can be impossible to remove. This is because of the complex components in mud.

• First off, you need to scrape off as much of the mud as possible. This is important to be done before applying any solutions or moisture.
• Now get a neutral stain removal product, apply and blot. Keep doing this until no more of the mud is lifting.
• Rinse the area thoroughly using water and then blot up as much moisture as possible using absorbent towels.
• If this method was unsuccessful, you might want to try the same process using citrus gel.

Similar stains include clay, potting soil and growing compost.

8. Dealing with Stains from Chewing Gum

DIY cleaning of chewing gum stains may not be the best idea. This is because the professionals use a special gum remover to make the gum brittle and easy to remove. Alternatively, if the gum is dried, it can be broken up with a blunt knife and the pieces removed. We strongly advise that you contact the professionals for this one.
Similar stain types would include blu tack and sticky sweets, for instance, toffee.

9. Dealing with Wax Stains

When dealing with wax stains, it is good to know that this one is a solvent-soluble type. Of course, you will have to break up and remove as much of it as you can before initiating the treatment process. Similar stains would include hair removal wax.

• Cover the candle wax with a nice piece of kraft paper.
• Now apply a hot iron to the paper. Be mindful not to touch the fabric of your furniture with the iron.
• Very slowly and very carefully, pull the paper under the iron. This will work because as the wax melts, it will be absorbed into the paper. It is worth mentioning that this method takes a lot of practice for it to be successful.
• If the stain remains, you can apply some citrus gel or a solvent-based product and star blotting with absorbent paper until all residues have been removed.

Feeling Uncertain about Tackling the Stains at Home?

This is completely normal, and understandable. DIY stain-removal attempts don’t really have a great success rate. Every different fabric could react differently to cleaning agents, so don’t be surprised if your home cleaning attempt goes wrong.

Precisely because of this, it is better to rely on stain removal specialists. Professional upholstery cleaners undergo a series of training courses and have a lot of hands-on experience that enables them to act quickly as well as efficiently when it comes to stain removal. As you may have noticed, cleaning up spillages is not always that easy. Not even the vetted technicians can guarantee a 100% success rate. That is why we strongly advise against home attempts, at least with the more tricky stains.

You may also like: What you Didn’t Know About Leather Furniture, and How to Clean it!

What is Velvet?

To know how to care for a velvet sofa the right way, you are going to need to know what the material is. It used to be made from tufted silk, which is quite a costly textile. Unlike other fabrics, this one is not a flat-woven textile. It requires more materials and is woven in two thicknesses. The complicated process gives the fabric its signature softness, which is where the term “soft as velvet” came from.

Read also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Nowadays, other than the classic silk velvet, there is a multitude of other synthetic or natural materials that can be used to make velvet. Some of the more budget-friendly ones it can be made from are:

• Cotton;
• Polyester (often a cotton+polyester blend);
• Viscose
• Wool;
• Linen;
• Mohair.

Check also: How to Care for Your Togo Sofa 

Pure silk velvet has become harder to find in modern days. Even if you do come across real velvet, it is expensive to buy. Now, it is more commonly made from viscose, also known as art silk. Nevertheless, if you do find yourself buying a velvet sofa, no matter the kind, you are going to need to know the best way to go about cleaning it. So, first things first, check the label of your velvet sofa and check:

• Materials it is made from;
• Care instructions;
• Cleaning instructions.

Natural fibre velvet is going to be far more delicate than synthetic velvet. If your velvet sofa is made from synthetic materials, you can steam clean it with no problem at home, as synthetic velvet is more durable and less prone to creasing, fading, and damage than natural fibre velvet. If the velvet is made from natural materials, we advise you to call in professional upholstery cleaners to get the job done.

Read also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Although velvet is classified as a delicate fabric, it is actually quite durable when cared for correctly. That is why it is of the utmost importance to learn how to care for a velvet sofa the right way. The best thing about velvet is that it is like a fine wine, it only gets better with the years.

Care of velvet furniture is actually quite simple. The way to go about it is to incorporate the tasks tied to its care into your regular routine. We advise you to add a few light chores to your weekly cleaning list:

1. When you are vacuuming the floor or carpet in your lounge, quickly swap the attachment fitting for an upholstery cleaner and get rid of any dust, crumbs, fluff, and whatever else off your velvet sofa.
2. Get a velvet brush for your sofa. You must first figure out which way the velvet fibres are woven. Brush your couch following that direction.
3. While you are completing one of the two tasks mentioned above, you may come across creases, unnatural lines, or even old stains that you have missed. This is the occasion when you should get out your upholstery steam cleaner. However, if you are unsure of the fibres that make up your velvet settee, or you know they are made from natural materials, you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners. They will clean your sofa using a dry cleaning method that won’t cause any damage to your beautiful furniture.

Check also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

How to Remove a Stain from a Velvet Sofa

It is practically impossible to go through life without staining something you should not have. If you have pets, kids, or just a messy member in the family, it is going to happen sooner rather than later. So, when the inevitable comes to pass, you need to be prepared.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

The number 1 rule when it comes to stains – catch them on time. If they have time to dry and set into the velvet fabric, it can become near impossible to remove them. Here are our stain removal experts‘ tips on how to tackle a fresh stain:

1. The first thing to get done when a fresh spill has landed on your couch is to grab a few paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Place it on the stain delicately. Do not rub or dab, as this could further push it deeper into the fibres of your settee. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to soak up as much as possible.
2. Now you should prepare a solution for your velvet sofa. We suggest you get a nice deep bowl ready. Pour 100ml of lemon juice into the bowl and add a tablespoon of soda bicarbonate. The mixture will fizz, creating foam and bubbles on the top. Dip a cloth into the foam part of the solution and apply to the stain.
3. The other option for creating a solution is to pour 50ml of water into a cup or bowl and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Stir with fast motions to make a foam and use only the bubbly foam to clean the velvet upholstery.
4. Whichever mixture you decide to use, blot the stain gently using a white cleaning cloth. Keep blotting until it is no longer visible.
5. Now leave the upholstery to air and dry. After it has dried out completely, use a vacuum to clean the surface to make it look smooth and make sure the spot blends in with the rest of the velvet sofa.

Check also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

A Few Tips From the Professionals

1. When placing your velvet sofa in your living space, choose a spot where direct sunlight can not reach it.
2. If you have children or pets, it may be worth considering placing a protective cover over your velvet settee to avoid damage and scuffing.
3. Your velvet sofa may or may not have cushions. If it does, fluff them regularly.
4. Always read the upholstery labels before attempting any cleaning process on your velvet couch.
5. In the event that you discover an old stain on your sofa, either deal with it using a steam cleaner, or contact professional cleaners.
6. If ever in doubt, contact professional upholstery cleaners. You don’t want to cause unnecessary damage to your luxurious furniture.

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Read also: What you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it!

Different Upholstery Materials

Before we tell you how to clean blood stains from upholstery, it is a good idea to get acquainted with the different types of fabrics used for upholstering furniture. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is wise to be informed before you attempt DIY cleaning. There are many, so we will list the most popular textiles in the UK.

• Wool – not very stain-resistant, complicated cleaning process;
• Cotton – not very resistant to fading, tricky cleaning process;
• Nylon – long-lasting, easy to clean, high-abrasion resistance;
• Polyester – long-lasting, easy to clean;
• Acrylic – long-lasting, easy to clean;
• Olefin – long-lasting, easy to clean;
• Rayon – not very long-lasting, low-moisture cleaning.

Knowing the key traits of these fabrics will let you know whether or not to stray from certain cleaning instructions and make your own adjustments to the cleaning process. We also recommend that you check the labels for upholstery cleaning instructions, you don’t want to end up damaging your upholstery. Now, without further ado, here are our instructions on how to clean blood stains from upholstery.

Check also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

How to Clean Blood Stains From Upholstery

Cleaning blood stains, no matter whether you are cleaning upholstery or not, can hold hygiene risks. There are 2 very important things we would like to note before you start the cleaning process:

1. Always wear PPE gloves when cleaning blood. Viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Brucellosis, and many more are transmitted through blood. These viruses can last up to 7 days in blood stains, so, approach with caution.
2. Never clean blood with hot water. Blood is a protein stain and hot water will make it set in the fabric, thus making it impossible to remove it.

Read also: Stain Removal Is a Matter of Chemistry

How to proceed with blood stains from upholstery:

1. Use a toothbrush to loosen the blood from your fabric if the blood stain has dried.
2. If the covers are removable from your upholstered furniture, do so.
3. Rinse the covers multiple times, flushing out as much of the blood as possible.
4. If not, get an absorbent cloth or sponge and wet it.
5. Dab at the area and lift as much of the stain as you can. Rinse the sponge or cloth as you go along so as to avoid spreading the stain.
6. Get a cup of cold water and mix it with a bit of soda water.
7. Pour this mixture onto the area and use a clean sponge to carry on blotting the stain.
8. Repeat step 7 a few times. When you see the water that is being rinsed out of the sponge is no longer blood-tinted, that’s when you can stop with step 7.
9. Mix 8 parts water with 1 part glycerine and 1 part laundry detergent (choose based on the best detergent that suits your upholstery type), and add a drop of fairy washing up liquid.
10. Mix into a spray bottle.
11. Spray 2 or 3 times onto the stain and scrub the area with a sponge.
12. If you think it may need it, repeat step 11 a few times.
13. Once the stain is no longer visible at all, get a bowl of clean, cool water and rinse out the fabric until there are no more suds.

Check also: How to Remove Blood Stains From Your Furnishings

Read out also: How to Clean your Wool Rug.

Stain removal is a science that requires expertise and attention to detail

During our 12 years providing professional stain removal solutions at Cleaner Cleaner, we have come across many incidents in which people have mistakenly used over-the-counter products to remove a stain. Recently, we were contacted by a customer who had tried to clean a pet urine stain from their friend’s viscose carpet using such a product, which had completely ruined the rug. The customer was confused about why the household stain removal product had worked on her puppy’s stains on her carpet but had produced such disastrous results with her friend’s expensive designer rug. 

In this case, we helped the customer to perform a test by instructing her to extract a single fibre from her carpet and dip it is a glass of water. The fibre floated on the water’s surface, indicating that it was polypropylene. Polypropylene is the only fibre that does not sink, and it is virtually bulletproof and easily cleaned, unlike more delicate fibres that require more specialised care. Despite the promises of products in the cleaning aisle, there isn’t a single solution that can tackle all stains on any carpet or rug. 

Before you try and tackle a stain yourself, you need to know the fibre type and its properties. In the case of the rug, viscose is a material that does not tolerate extremes in pH and the product she applied was highly alkaline. As a result, the solution coupled with the ferocious scrubbing had destroyed the rug beyond repair. This case just illustrates the importance of seeking out expertise in this area. 

Check also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

What should I do when I suddenly have to deal with a stain?

If a stain has just happened in your home, don’t panic! It’s better to leave a stain overnight than to start attempting a home removal with the aid of YouTube. It is important, however, to treat the stain as soon as possible to ease the removal process. At Cleaner Cleaner, we’re always happy to offer customers free advice about what steps to take next or to assess the item thoroughly ourselves. You can also contact the item’s manufacturer for specific advice. If you’ve already tried to clean the stain and it’s not improved or worsened, it’s even more crucial to reach out to an experienced specialist. In the meantime, we recommend removing any solid matter and blotting fresh stains with clean, white towels or napkins. 

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Important information to know about these common stains

Coffee stain

You might think that all coffee stains are the same, but the temperature is a major factor. Hot coffee will penetrate deeper into the fibre and set whereas a cold coffee stain might come out easier. The colour of the coffee also makes a difference: white coffee contains milk and, as a result, the protein in the milk needs to be tackled first before the tannins in the coffee itself.

Red wine

Many people think that white wine will neutralise a red wine stain, but this is false. Red wine stain removal is tricky and ideally requires a professional. It is best not to do anything to the stain yourself as the more it is disturbed, the deeper the stain goes.

Nail varnish

This is a particularly tricky stain and, despite the temptation, you should never use nail varnish remover as this will dissolve the adhesive that keeps the fibres attached to the carpet base.

Blood

As this is a bodily fluid, it’s imperative to wear gloves. Viruses can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days. You should only use cold water with no scrubbing, but a home removal might leave a watermark.

Check also: How to Remove Blood Stains From Carpets and Upholstery

Urine stain

Urine stain removal is another very tricky case, but the first step is always to rinse out the stain as the area has to be completely sanitised. A professional should usually be able to deliver a satisfactory stain removal just from this first process as long as it is done quickly. 

A separate service is necessary if discolouration continues after the area has dried out in order to lift the colour residue. Urine is highly acidic but becomes highly alkaline when it comes into contact with fibres and these pH extremes can affect the original colour, particularly on wool carpets. At Cleaner Cleaner, we use an advanced stain removal process to test an area of the furnishing to see how it reacts to treatment before fully removing the urine stain. If done promptly, no colour loss should occur beneath. 

If the colour loss has happened, we also offer a third service to restore the missing colour and ensure it blends into the original fabric.

Read also:How to Remove Urine Stains From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

Can Cleaner Cleaner guarantee a stain will be removed?

We are a fully certified fibre care specialist and we have over a decade of experience in successfully removing a wide variety of stains when they have been left untouched. We can also assess and pursue treatment when a home removal has been attempted with domestic products, but we cannot guarantee that every stain will be removed in this case. 

Contact us today for more advice about stain cleaning and our wide range of restorative services.

However, there are some important furniture industry ‘secrets’ we want to share with you, particularly with regards to leather sofa maintenance. Some will have a major impact on how you clean a leather suite from day one, so it lasts for many years.

Read also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

Exploding myths about leather

Let’s make it clear from the start that leather furniture is not low maintenance and something you can clean easily! Not if you want it to stand up to heavy use and continue to look good.

You will see all sorts of advice on leather sofa cleaning on social media. One of the most prevalent is that all it needs is a quick wipe with a damp cloth, or that common household products can lift off stains – like toothpaste!

If you use inappropriate products, the abrasion and chemical reaction you trigger is damaging to the leather surface. It could be damage you can’t see, but over time it contributes to leather cracking, tearing and losing its elasticity and shine.

The truth is that leather needs specialist substances to get it clean and to maintain its structure and integrity. It also requires specialist knowledge of how to use those leather cleaning and protection products correctly to keep your sofa fresh, attractive and pliable.

Check also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Different types of leather for furniture

The ability to keep leather clean and looking fabulous also hinges on its initial quality.

Did you ever wonder why some leather sofas are £600 and others are £3,000? This is partly due to design and manufacturing standards, but also the grade of leather used.

Using modern, precision tools, cowhide can be split into three layers.

The top layer – called top grain or aniline leather – has the highest quality and strength. It is used for high-end sofas and chairs and has either no pigment or minimal pigmentation added, due to its natural aesthetic.

The second layer is used for mid to top range leather furniture. It is usually pigmented and stamped to give it the distinctive look of leather. It is fairly strong and long-lasting, with proper care and cleaning.

The third split of cowhide is used for cheaper items of furniture (as well as multiple other manufacturing uses). It too is pigmented and stamped, but it tends to be thinner, weaker and easier to damage.

There is another type of leather used in furniture production too. This is when the shavings from the splitting process are glued together with other fibres and components – such as cotton or flax mixed with plant oils – to produce Eco-leather.

Eco-leather is extremely light and cost-effective, making it popular to use in aircraft and car seats for example. Eco-leather is important for anyone keen to buy sustainable furniture.

Whichever type of leather is used, it will be coated in a protective polymer and stain guard. Though the quality of these can vary between manufacturers too.

Check also: How to Care for Your Togo Sofa

Different cleaning demands of different leathers

As you would imagine, the methods for cleaning leather sofas – and the relative long-term success you can enjoy – depends on the type of leather involved.

Your aim should be to maintain the integrity of the polymer and the ability of the leather to repel pollutants.

You can’t assume that an aniline leather sofa – with its superior strength and quality – needs less maintenance and cleaning. The lack of polymers in its construction means that you need to clean and protect its surface every three months, to maintain its looks and elasticity.

Other types of leather will need to be cleaned and restored at least every six months.

Incorrect cleaning or neglect allows pigments and coatings to degrade, making leather more prone to soaking up spills and splashes, and susceptible to scuffs, cracks, tears and fading.

Read also: Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Your Luxury Swiss Watch

More tips on leather sofa cleaning

There is one more myth about maintaining leather furniture you should be aware of.

Sadly, not all firms offering leather sofa maintenance are effective, due to their misconceptions or emphasis on keeping their costs down.

One of their most common errors is cleaning leather sofas with the industrial version of a baby wipe! Using any kind of baby wipe or lotion-saturated cloth on leather is seriously wrong. The chemicals – no matter how ‘kind’ they are – are designed to neutralise the alkalinity of a baby’s urine or add moisture. It is the sort of thing that has a detrimental effect on the finish of leather sofas!

Instead, invest wisely in expertise and appropriate cleaning products for leather sofas, to be sure your furniture stands the test of time.

How much does it cost to properly clean leather furniture? Expect to pay around £60 and £80 per seated area, but this includes cleaning the surface and restoring its protective elements.

For free advice on furniture cleaning and maintenance, please get in touch. We are always happy to share our industry knowledge and know-how.

Reduce the Pet Hair Onto Furnishings

Of course, the best tactic to deal with pet hair in your home is prevention. The less fur on carpets and furnishings, the easier to clean them, right? So, step one to reducing pet hair is regularly grooming your four-legged friend. And it‘s not only a chore but also a wonderful way to bond with your furry pet. You can find a range of pet brushes and gloves for various breeds and types of fur in your local pet store. Another way to prevent hairs from sticking to furniture is placing a furniture cover or a blanket on the favourite napping spot of your pet. After all, it’s easier to clean a piece of fabric than the whole sofa, right? Also, a lot of people forget to clean their pet beds. These cushion-like furnishings are usually made from synthetic materials and collect tons of hair that starts floating around the house and eventually end onto your furniture and carpets.

Read also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

Tumble Dryer

Your dryer provides a great way to remove pet hair from removable furniture covers and bedding. You need to run it through the tumble dryer for a couple of minutes on the cold setting. The movement of the drum helps loosen a lot of the fur and pulls it from the filter. Don’t forget to clean the filter right after removing the items because there will be a lot of pet hair there. Also, you can add a dryer sheet to the load because it helps reduce static and prevent fur from sticking to the textile.

Read also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Window Squeegee

Getting rid of pet hair embedded deep within the carpet or upholstery fibres is quite tricky, and vacuuming might not help too much. You’ll first need to somehow pull all the fur from your furnishings and make it without damaging the fibres. Over the years, we have found out that a simple window-cleaning squeegee works wonders when used to remove pet hair. Run the rubber edge of the tool over the area you want to clean. The fur adheres to the material, making it easy to pull it off your furniture or carpet.

Check also: Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning at Home

Nitrile or Rubber Gloves

You’ve probably already got a pair of rubber or nitrile gloves at your home to protect your hands when working with some heavy-duty chemical cleaners. And they are one of the best tools to remove pet hair from your upholstery. So put on your pair of cleaning gloves and run your hands over the upholstery. Start from the top of the furniture and go in the same direction. Otherwise, you will smear the collected hair all over. As you scrape the pet hair off the fabric with your hands, it will adhere to the gloves. You will notice all the pet hair will collect in small clumps that come off easily, and you can vacuum them or remove them with your hands. 

Read also: How to Remove Urine From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

Silicone Pet Hair Brush

Years ago, getting rid of dog and cat hair was a nightmare because there weren’t any specialised tools available. Luckily, nowadays, you can find a lot of different gadgets that are effective and inexpensive. One of the most efficient ones we like is the rubber pet hair removal brush. It looks like a regular hairbrush, but instead of solid plastic, metal or wood bristles, it has soft rubber ones that bend in all directions. Take the tool and run it over your upholstery or carpet; always go in one direction. You will soon notice the fur adheres to the bristles, and then it is easy to remove it with your hands.

Check also: Summer Pest Control: Deep Cleaning for a Healthier, Pest-Free Home

Use Proper Vacuum Cleaner Attachment

Most people try removing pet hair from their sofas and carpets with their vacuum but don’t use the proper attachment and fail miserably. As you can see, many of the methods suggested so far help collect the fur into small manageable clumps. However, if you use the regular floor cleaning attachment, all you will do is smear the pet hair all over your furniture and carpets. To tackle the task fast and easy, you will need the hose attachment – because of the narrow opening, the suction is more powerful, and it will pull off all the clumps more efficiently than the regular attachment. Also, some manufacturers offer pet hair removal attachments designed to make the chore faster and easier. They usually have some rubber or silicone bristle that helps collect fur from textiles, the same way the squeegee or pet hair removal brushes work.

Read also: Are Robotic Vacuum Cleaners Worth It?

Metal Lint Remover

Some breeds of cats and dogs have very short and firm fur penetrating the carpet fibre so deep it’s almost impossible to remove without the proper tool. Luckily, metal lint removers are very effective in doing exactly that. We love these tools because they are inexpensive and durable; their copper blades don’t rust and pull out the pet hair from the carpet in seconds! However, take in mind that metal lint shavers work best for low pile carpets and rugs. If you use them on looped rugs, high piled carpets or woven rugs and upholstery, they can pull out fibres and tear them, ruining the furnishings.

Check also: How to Clean and Maintain Handmade Oriental Rugs

Pumice Stone

If there’s a spot on your carpet where your cat or dog loves to nap, it’s probably caked in pet hair. When that fur is matted so hard it’s impossible to pull out with another tool, try running a pumice stone over the place. The texture of pumice helps lift the pet hair out of your carpet’s loops. Pumice stone works wonders for removing pet hair from your car’s interior, too. Some stones are designed especially for pet hair removal; however, a generic one will do the same job for a fraction of the price.

Read also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

Anti-Static Spray

If you want to remove pet hair from wooden furniture like desks, dining tables, and chairs, use an anti-static cleaning spray and a soft piece of cloth. You will see that the product helps keep all the stuck to the cloth, rather than reattaching onto the surface. The method allows you to wipe large wooden furniture with just a few strokes. You can also spray the anti-static product onto carpets and furniture before vacuuming to prevent the pet hair from sticking back into the fibres.

You can count on us to maintain your home spotlessly clean. Book our specialised carpet cleaning service at least twice a year to get rid of the dust and dirt settled deep into the fibres. You can combine it with professional upholstery cleaning to get the most of one visit. Call Cleaner Cleaner and request a quote right now!